A Resilient Mindset.

Recently, I came across a quote that goes thus:

“No one can destroy iron, but its own rust can”.

This made me remember the concept of self-esteem I’d learnt in a course back in school. Just like the iron’s greatest threat lies within its own corrosion, a person’s most formidable adversary is often their own mindset. This is the power of self-destruction.

The Bible is full of records about those who maintained a resilient mindset despite whatever adversity they encountered.

One that stands out is David.

David was a young shepherd boy who faced numerous challenges, but trusted God despite every adversity (1 Samuel 17:34-37, Psalm 23:1-6). He also refused to harm his enemy, Saul, even when he had the chance (and more than enough reason to), and this made David became the Israel’s beloved King.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest example of someone who overcame destructive power of negative thoughts of self doubt, self pity, fear and anger. He built resilience over temptations and adversities and, on His way to the cross, He neither compared Himself with anyone, forgiving all His false witness and haters.

Just like our saviour Jesus Christ, we will require a strong and resilient mind in order to overcome all trials and temptations we will encounter in this heavenly race.

[4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

[5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)

The believer’s mindset is either his greatest asset or his most formidable foe.

I will discuss additional tips and strategies regarding cultivating a resilient mindset in my next post.